General Colorado Commercial Pesticide Application Practice Exam

What is the main criterion for most agricultural Section 18's?

1. Assessing safety for human health

2. Demonstrating a significant economic loss

3. Determining environmental impact

4. Evaluating registration timelines

The correct answer is: Demonstrating a significant economic loss

The main criterion for most agricultural Section 18's is demonstrating a significant economic loss. Section 18 of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) allows for the use of a pesticide that is not yet registered for a specific use in emergency situations, particularly when there is an imminent threat to crops and a significant economic loss is anticipated. This provision is designed to ensure that farmers have access to necessary pesticides when a specific pest or disease poses a serious risk to their livelihoods. By showing that there is a potential for substantial economic loss due to a pest problem, applicants can justify the need for an emergency exemption. Safety for human health, environmental impact, and registration timelines are important considerations, but they are not the primary focus for obtaining a Section 18 exemption; the urgency of economic damage takes precedence in this context.